blog:proleno

From the beginning of the 1950s to the present day, Bialetti has manufactured over 200 million coffee-makers. In particular, the Moka Express stands out as a masterpiece of industrial design, a real “cult object” that allows millions of consumers to enjoy great Italian coffee.

The inspiration behind Alfonso Bialetti’s first creation was an early washing machine made up of a boiler and a tub for collecting hot water and Moka Express was developed on the basis of this principle. Since that almost legendary insight, Crusinallo-based Bialetti transformed itself from a small half-craftsmanlike workshop into one of the most appreciated and well-known companies not only on the domestic but also on the international market.

Suffice is to say that in Italy alone 90% of families own a Bialetti product, the proof of a tradition that projects itself into the future with a clear objective: quality to the benefit of the consumatore!

The product range offered by Bialetti coffee is a rich and comprehensive line of products “for all needs and all tastes” and it continues in the mythical Moka Express tradition – high technology and a winning design!

Alfonso Bialetti’s original claim of his Moka stated that: “without requiring any ability whatsoever” one could enjoy “in casa un espresso come al bar” (an espresso in the home just like in a [coffee] bar), is still true today. Not only is the Moka simple to use, but its also quick and convenient.

Available in both three and six cup versions it’s a must-have kitchen accessory for anyone who likes good coffee.

Available now from Proleno, on the web at www.proleno.com, on the phone on 0844 357 9855

Those passionate about their coffee will almost certainly have encountered the Bialetti brand. The company’s history goes back to 1919 when the first workshop was opened in Crusinallo to make aluminium products. Its first stove-top espresso maker, the Moka Express, appeared in 1933 and revolutionised home coffee making. The ‘Little man with a moustache’ trademark was created in the 1950s by Paul Campani and features on the company’s products to this day.

Whilst the stove-top versions remain as popular as ever today, the introduction of the Moka Easy electric in 3-cup and 6-cup models added convenience. Note that cup size used by Bialetti refers to Italian demi-tasse espresso size (personally I go for a 3-cup shot – OK, so I get a little jittery with the caffeine rush!)

Now, in 2008, Bialetti have released the Moka Elettrika – a travel version that can operate with 110V to 230V. All you need, wherever you are, is a power outlet, some water and of course some quality coffee. The Elettrika doesn’t appear to be available in the UK yet, but since it’s a travel coffee maker it can’t be too long before it turns up!